ISCRR’s Learning Series Webinars got off to a flying start in April this year with our most popular webinar to date! Dr Sophie Pointer (ISCRR Senior Researcher) presented findings from ISCRR’s Evidence Review on the clinical effectiveness of spinal cord stimulators (SCS) for persistent pain.
Sophie examined published systematic reviews and randomised control trials on this topic and performed a quality assessment of the evidence. She explained there was only moderate support for the effectiveness of SCSs to reduce pain in the short term. She noted that there was some support for a reduction in medication use, but also spoke to the data regarding adverse events.
Dr Hugh Seward (WorkSafe Victoria Program Director, Medical and Recovery, Strategic Delivery) followed Sophie outlining the importance of such research to WorkSafe Victoria.
Dr Hugh Seward and Dr Sophie Pointer
Given the level of uncertainty in the findings and the complexity of patient background and selection, Hugh noted that WorkSafe is unlikely to stop funding SCSs at this time. This may change when the findings of studies currently underway are published.
The webinar was well received by the 185 attendees joining us on the day.
“Wonderful summary of key issues, based on expert research, and relayed in a clear and concise manner” – Anonymous audience member
Watch the April ISCRR Learning Series Webinar on Spinal Cord Stimulators here